Exclusive | Sonta Me'Shay is Chicago's Next Great R&B Singer
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is rising R&B artist, Sonta Me'Shay! Sonta has a voice that this generation needs to hear! The Chicago singer is signed to Machine Group Entertainment which features G Herbo, Tink and more! Sonta has had major success with her songs You Ain't Shit, Final Goodbye, Friends, And Word To My Ex, all gathering millions of views on youtube!
We talked with Sonta in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
Question: How long have you been making music and how did you break into the music industry?
Sonta: I have been making music since I was old enough to understand that I could sing forreal, but I have been releasing music for 3 years. What broke me into the industry was putting music out while also uploading videos singing, rapping and saying poems that I had written.
Question: Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
Sonta: My biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill & Beyonce. My favorite musicians is this girl named Sonta lol, no but I like mostly Chicago artists, some mainstream and mostly old school RnB. Mary J, Destiny's Child, Cherish, 112, Jagged Edge etc.
Question: You're signed to Chicago’s Machine Group Entertainment which features some other major artists in G-Herbo, Tink, and Queen Key! What musicians would you most like to collaborate with for the future and why?
Sonta: Yes, I am. I would like to collaborate with all of the Upcoming Chicago Artists because it's good for the city. I would also like to collab with mainstream artists like SZA, Jhene Aiko, Tank etc.
Question: What do you feel is your best song you've ever released and why?
Sonta: I love all of my music equally, but You Aint Shit is my baby.
Question: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Sonta: What motivates me is God, my Mom, my Family, My Team, those who believe in me & those who don't. I define success as true peace, inside and out.
Question: What projects can people look forward to seeing from you in the future?
Sonta: In the near future people can look forward to me dropping PART 2 to the video series for my project InMyFeelings. In the Future I will be dropping a surprise Trailer introducing my next project.
Question: How do you generate new ideas
Sonta: They usually just come to me because I use everything as inspiration.
Question: How do you describe your music to people?
Sonta: I describe my music as RnD; Rhythm&Drill. Its like a sweet sound but I'm speaking real sh*t.
Question: What do you believe is the formula to being a successful artist in today’s hip hop culture?
Sonta: I mean just be yourself and if people feel you they feel you.
Question: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Sonta: My Mother, and Sister! Also the people who saw greatness in me in my younger years.
Question: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Sonta: Beyonce because now that I'm pursuing the same career, I know how hard she works. Have to give credit where it’s due.
Question: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Sonta: I would say Passion and just emotion period because I go off of how im feeling at the moment.
Question: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Sonta: The sacrifices I have had to make are mainly with time with loved ones and working long hours in the studio.
Question: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Sonta: Just coming up with new sounds and networking. Nothing discourages me.
Question: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Sonta: I just take it day by day like SZA said.
Question: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Sonta: The advice I would give is to stay focused and stay true to yourself.
Question: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Sonta: I don't consider myself a Singer or Rapper. I am a Writer. So what you hear are my Thoughts.